Powers police are still searching for the suspect involved in an assault on New Year’s Eve who may know what caused the Powers Hotel fire.

Police Chief Rhett Davis said he saw the suspect in the assault case riding a bicycle near the hotel early New Year’s Day and considers him a person of interest regarding the fire.

He said he hopes to apprehend the man within a couple days. He has put posters around town of the suspect, including his name and photo. Although he has a witness for the assault, Davis said there is no direct link between the man who assaulted the woman at the Powers County Park and the Powers Hotel fire.

The man is described as a 5-foot, 9-inch male, around 30 years old, about 150 pounds with short-cropped brown hair and brown or hazel eyes.

Meanwhile, the deputy state fire marshal, Kristina Deschaine, has been unable to confirm the cause of the fire. She said she has tried to interview neighbors, but they have refused to talk to her.